Material:  Carved Lava, 800 Silver

Hallmarks:  800

Size: Bracelet, Length Closed ~ apx. 7 & 1/8 inches,  Width ~ apx. 1 & 1/2 inches

       Brooch, Height ~ apx 1 & 5/8 inches,  Width ~ apx. 1 & 1/16
       Cameos ~ Height varies, apx. 1 & 7/16 - 1 & 1/4 in.,  Width, all apx 1 inch

Quantity:  1 Set = 2 pieces, 1 bracelet & 1 brooch

In the mid 1800's jewelry and other items carved from Italian Mt. Vesuvius lava were extremely popular souvenirs, frequently purchased by wealthy travelers, often on their Grand Tour of Europe.

Due to the antique nature and organic element of this type of jewelry, nice condition single piece lava examples are not plentiful and it is really quite rare to find nice, matching multiple piece suites, so we are extremely pleased to offer this fine Victorian era Demi-Parure bracelet and brooch set, mounted in hallmarked 800 silver, c. 1850 - 1870’s.

Due to non unification of the country during most of the early/mid Victorian period, gold and silversmiths were not required to have their work assayed and stamped. Subsequently, hallmarked examples from this era are also rather unusual. Additionally, many early cameos were not set in precious gold or silver, but rather inexpensive base metals.  Therefore we were very happy to note that this bracelet is clearly marked 800 silver. While the brooch is unmarked, it is not unusual for only one piece of a suite to be marked.

This demi parure was surely one of the more expensive period examples.  The cameos are very nice quality, carved in quite high relief and every one is unique. While each features a lovely classical women, or Bacchante maiden profile, every one presents a different hairstyle, headdress, flowers, feathers, bodice, etc.  Additionally, these are larger size cameos. Period bracelets were commonly made with 9 - 12 equal size, very small cameos, however this bracelet features six large carvings, with the center two being the largest, then graduating in size to slightly smaller at each end.  The brooch is the biggest, being slightly larger than the two center cameos in the bracelet.  Also, the cameos are hand prong set in fine silver mountings.

As was typical of the era, the cameos range in color, including gray, brown and black.
The suite is in extremely nice antique estate condition.  The original silver bracelet and brooch mountings are very solid and sound.  Bracelet clasp closes securely; may have also had a safety chain at one time, however it is no longer present.
Brooch C-style closure, with early roll type safety, is also very strong and secure.  Pin appears to be hand made, original and other than a little stiffness to hinge, is in good working order. Viewing with a jewelers loupe I see what may be an tiny early solder repair to a single prong on the brooch.  This is at the back, right where prong attaches to frame.   Not noteworthy,  noticeable, or unusual; extremely minor for an antique piece. The cameos are also very nice.  We see no cracks, or breaks, just natural irregularities to the backs, plus some expected slight minor wear to outer edges of cameos and a slight amount to front of the brown one, likely due to the slightly softer nature of the brown lava.  Nothing glaring or really notable and only detectable with close scrutiny.

We consider this fine antique demi parure to be in extremely nice antique condition.  Please view magnified, enlarged images provided, for very close up, detailed views.  Unfortunately, in the close up images, bright, direct natural light caused some glare on the black cameos and made them appear slightly lighter and less rich in color than actual, so please consider this factor when evaluating images.

A quite rare and hard to find antique lave cameo demi parure, set in fine silver framed mountings.

Fine Antique Grand Tour Lava Cameo Demi Parure ~ Large Bracelet & Brooch, Hallmarked Silver, Mid 19th Century

$ 899.00